Synthesis of taxol enhancers

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a method of preparing a thiohydrazide product compound from a hydrazide starting compound. The hydrazide starting compound is represented by Structural Formula (I):                    
     The thiohydrazide product compound is represented by Structural Formula (II):                    
     In Structural Formulas (I)-(II), R 1  and R 2  are independently an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, or R 1  and R 2  taken together with the carbon and nitrogen atoms to which they are bonded, form a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring optionally fused to an aromatic ring. When R 2  is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, then R 5  is a hydrazine protecting group; and when R 2  is an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, then R 5  is —H or a hydrazine protecting group. R 10  is —H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group. The method comprising the step of reacting the starting compound with a thionylating reagent.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/304,318, filed Jul. 10, 2001, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many new drugs are now available to be used by oncologists in treating patients with cancer. Often, tumors are more responsive to treatment when anti-cancer drugs are administered in combination to the patient than when the same drugs are administered individually and sequentially. One advantage of this approach is that the anti-cancer agents often act synergistically because the tumors cells are attacked simultaneously with agents having multiple modes of action. Thus, it is often possible to achieve more rapid reductions in tumor size by administering these drugs in combination. Another advantage of combination chemotherapy is that tumors are more likely to be eradicated completely and are less likely to develop resistance to the anti-cancer drugs being used to treat the patient.

One serious limitation of combination chemotherapy is that anti-cancer agents generally have severe side effects, even when administered individually. For example, the well known anti-cancer agent taxol causes neutroperia, neuropathy, mucositis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, bradycardia, diarrhea and nausea. Unfortunately, the toxicity of anti-cancer agents is generally additive when the drugs are administered in combination. As result, certain types of anti-cancer drugs are generally not combined. The combined toxic side-effects of those anti-cancer drugs that are administered simultaneously can place severe limitations on the quantities that can be used in combination. Often, it is not possible to use enough of the combination therapy to achieve the desired synergistic effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for agents which can enhance the desirable tumor attacking properties of anti-cancer agents without further increasing their undesirable side-effects, and methods for synthesizing such agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been reported in the co-pending U.S. Provisional Applications entitled TAXOL ENHANCER COMPOUNDS, filed Jul. 10, 2001, (Application No. 60/304,252), TAXOL ENHANCER COMPOUNDS, filed Mar. 6, 2002 (Application No. 60/361,946) and TAXOL ENHANCER COMPOUNDS, filed Mar. 6, 2002 (Application No. 60/361,936) that certain bis[thio-hydrazide amide] compounds significantly enhance the anti-cancer activity of taxol and analogs of taxol. The entire teachings of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. Disclosed herein are methods of preparing these taxol enhancing compounds.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method of preparing a thiohydrazide product compound from a hydrazide starting compound. The hydrazide starting compound is represented by Structural Formula (I):

The thiohydrazide product compound is represented by Structural Formula (II):

In Structural Formulas (I)-(II), R₁ and R₂ are independently an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, or R₁ and R₂, taken together with the carbon and nitrogen atoms to which they are bonded, form a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring optionally fused to an aromatic ring. When R₂ is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, then R₅ is a hydrazine protecting group; and when R₂ is an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, then R₅ is —H or a hydrazine protecting group. R₁₀ is —H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group (preferably —H or an unsubstituted alkyl group, more preferably —H or methyl). The method comprises the step of reacting the starting compound with a thionylating reagent.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of preparing a product compound represented by Structural Formula (III):

The method comprises the step of reacting Z—C(O)—Y—(CO)—Z or HO—C(O)—Y—(CO)—OH and a carboxylic acid activating agent with the thiohydrazide represented by Structural Formula (II), wherein R₅ is —H.

R₁, R₂ and R₁₀ Structural Formula (III) are as described for Structural Formulas (I)-(II).

Y is a covalent bond or a substituted or unsubstituted straight chained hydrocarbyl group. Preferably, Y is a covalent bond, —C(R₇R₈)—, —CH₂CH₂-, trans-(CH═CH)—, cis-(CH═CH)—, —(CC)— or a 1,4-phenylene group. More preferably, Y is a covalent bond or —C(R₇R₈)—.

R₇ and R₈ are each independently —H, an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, or R₇ is —H and R₈ is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or, R₇ and R₈ taken together, are a C2-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group.

Each Z is a leaving group.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of preparing a product compound represented by Structural Formula (III) from a hydrazide starting compound represented by Structural Formula (I). The hydrazide starting compound is thionylated to form a thiohydrazide represented by Structural Formula (II), as described above. If R₅ is —H, then Z—C(O)—Y—(CO)—Z or HO—C(O)—Y—(CO)—OH and a carboxylic acid activating agent is reacted with the thiohydrazide represented by Structural Formula (II) to form the product compound represented by Structural Formula (III), as described above. If R₅ is a hydrazine protecting group, the hydrazine protecting group is first removed before reacting with Z—C(O)—Y—(CO)—Z. Z and Y are as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The methods disclosed herein can also be used to prepare bis[thio-hydrazide amide] compounds, which, as the term is used herein, refers to a compound represented by Structural Formula (I). In addition, asymmetrical bis[thio-hydrazide amide] compounds can also be prepared by suitable modifications of these procedures. The term “asymmetical bis[thio-hydrazide amide] compound” refers to a compound represented by Structural Formula (IV):

R₁, R₂, R₇, R₈, R₁₀, and Y are as defined above. R₃ and R₄ are independently an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, or R₃ and R₄, taken together with the carbon and nitrogen atoms to which they are bonded, form a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring optionally fused to an aromatic ring. R₃ and R₄, are independently selected from R₁ and R₂. R₁₁ is —H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and is selected independently of R₈. The method comprises a first step in which a compound represented by HOOC—Y—COOR₆ is amidated with a first thiohydrazide starting material represented by Structural Formula (II). R₆ is a carboxylic acid protecting group. The amidation forms a first intermediate represented by Structural Formula (V):

The protecting group is then removed from the carboxylic acid to form a second intermediate with a free carboxylic acid group. The second intermediate is represented by Structural Formula (VI):

The second intermediate is then amidated with a second thiohydrazide starting material represented by Structural Formula (II). The second thiohydrazide starting compound is typically different from the first thiohydrazide starting compound, thereby forming the asymmetical bis[thiohydrazide-amide] represented by Structural Formula (IV).

R₁ in Structural Formulas (I)-VI) can be a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group (preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group). When R₁ in Structural Formulas (I)-(VI) is aryl or substituted aryl, R₂ can be a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl or n-pentyl). Alternatively, when R₁ in Structural Formula (I)-(VI) is aryl or substituted aryl, R₂ can be a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group.

R₁ in Structural Formula (I)-(VI) can also be a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl or n-pentyl). When R₁ in Structural Formula (I)-(VI) is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, R₂ can be a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group. Alternatively, when R₁ in Structural Formula (I)-(VI) is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, R₂ can also be a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted lower alkyl group (e.g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl or n-pentyl).

In another alternative, R₂ in Structural Formulas (I)-(VI) is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group. When R₂ in Structural Formulas (I)-(VI) is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group, R₁ is preferably a lower alkyl group or a substituted lower alkyl group.

In yet another alternative, R₂ in Structural Formulas (I)-(VI) is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group, more preferably a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.

Preferably in Structural Formulas (I)-(VI), R₁ is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, R₂ is methyl or ethyl, R₇ is —H and R₈ is —H or methyl.

“Thionylating agent” is a reagent which, under suitable, conditions, can convert a ketone, ester or amide into a thioketone, thioester or thioamide, respectively. There are many thionylating agents known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Examples include Lawesson's Reagent, tetraphosphorus pentasulfide, Scheeren's reagent (P₄S₁₀—Na₂S), P₄S₁₀—N(ethyl)₃, Davy' Reagent and Heimgarner' reagent. Also known are conditions suitable for carrying out these conversions with thionylating agents. For example, such conditions are disclosed in Fieser and Fieser, “Reagents for Organic Synthesis”, Volume 1, John Wiley & Sons, (1975) page 870-71, Fieser and Fieser, “Reagents for Organic Synthesis”, Volume 5, John Wiley & Sons, (1975) page 653 and publications cited therein. Suitable conditions are also described in Bull. Soc. Chim. Belg. 87:223, 229, 525 (1978), Synthesis 1979:941 (1979), Tetrahedron 35:2433 (1979) and Tetrahedron 21:4061 (1980). Descriptions of these reagents can also be found in Metzner and Thuillier “Sulfur Reagents in Organic Synthesis”, Academic Press, 1994. The relevant portions of these publications are incorporated herein by reference.

Applicants have discovered that thionylating agents can similarly convert hydrazides to the corresponding thiohydrazide. Conditions for thionylating hydrazides are generally the same or similar to those used for thionylating ketones, esters or amides. Although some modification of those conditions may be necessary when reacting hydrazides with thionylating reagents, such modifications can readily be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. Suitable conditions for preparing thiohydrazides from hydrazides are described in the following paragraphs.

To thionylate hydrazides, typically about one equivalent of the hydrazide is reacted with the thionylating reagent in an inert solvent. In some cases, it may be desirable to use a slight excess of thionylating reagent, for example up to about 1.5 equivalents, preferably no more than about 1.1 equivalents. Suitable inert solvents include ethereal solvents (e.g., diethyl ether, tetrhydrofuran, glyme and 1,4-dioxane), aromatic solvents (e.g., benzene and toluene) or chlorinated solvents (e.g., methylene chloride and 1,2-dichloroethane). The reaction is carried out at temperatures ranging from about room temperature to about 150° C., preferably from about 75° C. to about 125° C. Representative conditions for carrying out these reactions are found in Examples 1-9.

The term “amidating a carboxylic acid” refers to converting a carboxylic acid to an amide or a hydrazide. Many methods for converting a carboxylic acid to an amide are known in the art. Applicants have discovered that these methods can be used to prepare to the bis[thio-hydrazide amide] compounds of the present invention. Typically, the carboxylic acid is first converted into a group that is more readily displaced by an amine or hydrazine than —OH. Thus, —OH is converted into a better leaving group. A “leaving group” is a group which can readily be displaced by a nucleophile.

In one example, —OH of the carboxylic acid is converted into a better leaving group by replacing it with a halogen, typically with chloride. The carboxylic acid is thereby converted into an acid halide, e.g., an acid chloride. Reagents suitable for preparing acid chlorides from carboxylic acids are well known in the art and include thionyl chloride, oxalyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus pentachloride. Typically, each carboxylic acid group is reacted with about one equivalent or a slight excess of thionyl chloride, oxalyl chloride, phosphorus trichloride and phosphorus pentachloride in an inert solvent such as an ethereal solvent (e.g., diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran or 1,4-dioxane), a halogenated solvent (e.g., methylene chloride or 1,2-dichloroethane) or aromatic solvent (e.g., benzene or toluene). When oxalyl chloride is used, a tertiary amine is often added to accelerate the reaction in quantities ranging from a catalytic amount to about one equivalent relative to oxalyl chloride.

Alternatively, the carboxylic acid is first converted into an “activated ester”. An ester —COOR is said to be “activated” when —OR is readily displaced by an amine or hydrazine. —OR is more easily displaced as R becomes more electron withdrawing. Some activated esters are sufficiently stable that they can be isolated, e.g., esters wherein R is phenyl or substituted phenyl. For example, diphenylmalonate can be prepared from malonyl chloride and phenol, both commercially available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, Wis., by procedures described above Other activated esters are more reactive and are generally prepared and used in situ.

Formation of an activated ester in situ requires a “coupling agent”, also referred to as a “carboxylic acid activating agent”, which is a reagent that replaces the hydroxyl group of a carboxyl acid with a group which is susceptible to nucleophilic displacement. Examples of coupling agents include 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), isobutyl chloroformate, dimethylanminopropylethyl-carbodiimide (EDC), dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC). When amidating by in situ generation of an activated ester, an excess of either the carboxylic acid or hydrazine can be used (typically a 50% excess, more typically about a 10-15% excess). However, it is more common when carrying out the present invention to use the hydrazine compound as the limiting reagent. Generally, from about 1.0 equivalent to about 10 equivalents of coupling agent are used relative to each carboxylic acid group, preferably from about 1.0 equivalent to about 1.5 equivalents. When DCC is used, a weak acid such as 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) is often added to accelerate the reaction. Typically, about between one to about 1.5 equivalents of HOBt relative to DCC is used, preferably between about one to about 1.2 equivalents. The reaction is generally carried out in inert, aprotic solvents, for example, halogenated solvents such as methylene chloride, dichloroethane and chloroform, ethereal solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane and diethyl ether and dimethylformamide. Suitable reaction temperature generally range from between about 0° to about 100°, but the reaction is preferably carried out at ambient temperature. Representative conditions for carrying out these reactions are found in Examples 1-9.

The compound represented by Structural Formula (V) comprises a carboxylic acid protecting group. Suitable protecting groups for carboxylic acids and conditions for protecting and deprotecting carboxylic acids with these groups are known in the art and are described, for example, in Greene and Wuts, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, John Wiley & Sons (1991). The entire teachings of Greene and Wits are incorporated herein by reference. Specific examples of suitable carboxylic acid protecting groups for Structural Formula (V) include, but are not limited to tert-butoxy, benzoxy, phenoxy, diphenylmethoxy, triphenylmethoxy and methoxymethyl.

The compounds represented by Structural Formulas (I) and (II) can comprise a hydrazine protecting group. Amine protecting groups can also be used for protecting hydrazine groups, and conditions which are suitable for protecting and deprotecting amines with these protecting groups are also suitable for use with hydrazines. Protecting groups for amines and conditions for protecting and deprotecting amines with these protecting groups are known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in Greene and Wuts, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, John Wiley & Sons (1991). Specific examples of suitable hydrazine protecting groups include, but are not limited to, tert-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), benzyloxycarbonyl (CBZ) and fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC).

A “straight chained hydrocarbyl group” is an alkylene group, i.e., —(CH₂)_(x)—, with one or more (preferably one) methylene groups is optionally replaced with a linkage group. x is a positive integer (e.g., between 1 and about 10), preferably between 1 and about 6, more preferably between 1 and 2. A “linkage group” refers to a functional group which replaces a methylene in a straight chained hydrocarbyl. Examples of suitable linkage groups include a ketone (—C(O)—), alkene, alkyne, phenylene, ether (—O—), thioether (—S—), or amine [—N(R^(a))]—, wherein R^(a) is defined below. A preferred linkage group is —C(R₇R₈)—, wherein R₇ and R₈ are defined above. Suitable substitutents for an alkylene group and a hydrocarbaryl group are those which do not substantially interfere with the reactions described herein. R₇ and R₈ are preferred substituents for an alkylene or hydrocarbyl group.

An aliphatic group is a straight chained, branched or cyclic (non-aromatic hydrocarbon which is completely saturated or which contains one or more units of unsaturation. Typically, a straight chained or branched aliphatic group has from one to about twenty carbon atoms, preferably from one to about ten, and a cyclic aliphatic group has from three to about eight ring carbon atoms. An aliphatic group is preferably a straight chained or branched alkyl group, e.g, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl, pentyl or octyl, or a cycloalkyl group with three to about eight ring carbon atoms. C1-C20 straight chained and branched alkyl groups and C3-C8 cycloalkyl groups are also referred to herein as “lower alkyl groups”.

Aromatic groups include carbocyclic aromatic groups such as phenyl, naphthyl, and anthracyl, and heteroaryl groups such as imidazolyl, thienyl, furanyl, pyridyl, pyrimidy, pyranyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, thiazole, oxazolyl and tetrazole.

Aromatic groups also include fused polycyclic aromatic ring systems in which a carbocyclic aromatic ring or heteroaryl ring is fused to one or more other heteroaryl rings. Examples include benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, benzothiazole, benzooxazole, benzimidazole, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, isoindolyl, 3-isoindolyl.

Non-aromatic heterocyclic rings are non-aromatic carbocyclic rings which include one or more heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur in the ring. The ring can be five, six, seven or eight-membered. Examples include tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahyrothiophenyl, morpholino, thiomorpholino, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, and thiazolidinyl.

Suitable substituents on a aliphatic, aromatic non-aromatic heterocyclic or benzyl group are those which do not substantially interfere with the reactions described herein. “Interfering with a reaction” refers to substantially decreasing the yield (e.g., a decrease of greater than 50%) or causing a substantial amount of by-product formation (e.g., where by-products represent at least 50% of the theoretical yield). Interfering substituents can be used, provided that they are first converted to a protected form. Suitable protecting groups are known in the art and are disclosed, for example, in Greene and Wuts, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, John Wiley & Sons (1991). Suitable substituents on an aliphatic group, non-aromatic heterocyclic group, benzylic or aryl group (carbocyclic and heteroaryl) include, for example, —OH, halogen (—Br, —Cl, —I and —F), —OR^(a), —O—COR^(a), —COR^(a), —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SO₃H, —NH₂, —NHR^(a), —N(R^(a)R^(b)), —COOR^(a), —CHO, —CONH₂, —CONHR^(a), —CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHCOR^(a), —NRCOR^(a), —NHCONH₂, —NHCONR^(a)H, —NHCON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(c)CONH₂, —NR^(c)CONR^(a)H, —NR^(c)CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NH)—NH₂, —C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NH—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)H—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHNH₂, —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NHR^(a), —SO₂NR^(a)R^(b), —CH═CHR^(a), —CH═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CHR^(a), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CCR^(a), —SH, —SO_(k)R^(a) (k is 0, 1 or 2) and —NH—C(═NH)—NH₂. R^(a)-R^(d) each are independently an aliphatic, substituted aliphatic, benzyl, substituted benzyl, aromatic or substituted aromatic group, preferably an alkyl, benzylic or aryl group. In addition, —N(R^(a)R^(b)), taken together, can also form a substituted or unsubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group. A benzylic group, non-aromatic heterocyclic group or aryl group can also have an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group as a substituent. A substituted alkyl or aliphatic group can also have a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring, a substituted a non-aromatic heterocyclic ring, benzyl, substituted benzyl, aryl or substituted aryl group as a substituent. A substituted aliphatic, non-aromatic heterocyclic group, substituted aryl, or substituted benzyl group can have more than one substituent.

The term “arylene” refers to an aryl group which is connected to the remainder of the molecule by two other bonds. By way of example, the structure of a 1,4-phenylene group is shown below:

Substituents for an arylene group are as described below for an aryl group.

The present invention is illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting in any way.

EXEMPLIFICATION EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of Thiocyclohexanoic acid N-phenylhydrazide

Phenyl hydrazine (5.4 g, 50 mmol) was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (50 mL) in a 250 mL round bottom flask. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (10.9 g, 50 mmol) was then added with stirring at 0° C. The resultant solution was then stirred under reflux for 3 h. Removal of the volatile components under reduced pressure afforded a colorless solid, which was washed with hexane and dried in vacuo. 10 g (yield 96%) of the product was obtained as a colorless solid, which can be used in the next step without further purification. 2.5 g (12 mmol) of this material was dissolved in dry pyridine (5 mL). Cyclohexanecarbonyl chloride (2.0 mL, 15 mmol) was then added slowly at 0° C. The red solution was stirred at 0° C. for half an hour and the resultant yellow suspension was stirred at room temperature for 3 h before pouring into ice-H₂O (100 mL). The precipitate product was collected by filtration and washed thoroughly with H₂O. After one recrystallization from EtOH/H₂O, 3.63 g (95%) of N-Phenyl-N-Cyclohexyl-N′-tert-butoxycarbonylhydrazide was obtained as a white powder; mp 141-143° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.9-2.3 (m, 11H), 1.4 (s, 9H), 6.9 (br, 1H), 7.4 (m, 5H)ppm.

To a solution of N-Phenyl-N-Cyclohexyl-N′-tert-butoxycarbonylhydrazide (1.1 g, 3.46 mmol) in dichloromethane (6 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (6 mL) at 0° C. The resultant solution was stirred at 0° C. for half an hour. Volatile components were then removed under reduced pressure to afford a syrup, which was turned into a solid upon standing; this material was briefly mixed with cold 2 N NaOH (5 mL) for a few minutes at 0° C. Solid product was then collected by filtration and recrystallized from hexane to afford cyclohexanoic acid N-phenylhydrazide (0.6 g, 80% yield) as a white powder; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.8-3.2 (m, 1H), 5.3 (s, 2H), 7.0-7.7 (m, 5H); ESMS calcd (C₁₃H₁₈N₂O): 218.3; found: 241.1 (M+Na)⁺.

A mixture of cyclohexanoic acid N-phenylhydrazide (0.25 g, 1.15 mmol) and Lawesson's Reagent (0.46 g, 1.15 mmol) in dry toluene (20 mL) was stirred under reflux for 1 h. After being cooled to room temperature, the mixture was filtered through a short column of silica gel (5 g) which was pre-washed with benzene. Removal of benzene afforded the crude product as a solid which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using hexane/EtOAc (4:1 v/v) as eluant. 0.15 g (60%) of thiocyclohexanoic acid N-phenylhydrazide was obtained as an off white solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.8-2.4 (m, 11H), 5.65 (br, 1H), 7.1-7.6 (m, 5H); ESMS calcd (C₁₃H₁₈N₂S): 234.1; found: 235.1 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of 2.5-Dimethoxythiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazine DCC (4.5 g, 21.8 mmol) was added in one portion to a solution of 2,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid (3.6 g, 20 mol), methylhydrazine (1.2 ml, 23 mmol) and DMAP (30 mg, cat. ) in CH₂Cl₂ (60 ml) cooled in an ice bath. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The slurry was cooled at −20° C. for 1 h and filtered. The CH₂Cl₂ solution was evaporated and the residue was dried in vacuum. The resulting crude product was dissolved in toluene (50 ml). To this solution was added Lawesson's reagent (5.8 g, 14 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 40 min, cooled to room temperature, and directly subjected to silica gel column chromatography (eluent: 25% to 35% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to give the 2,5-dimethoxythiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazide (3.7 g, yield: 82%) as off-white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 6.88-6.80(m, 3H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 3.84(s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.28(s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of N-Malonyl-bis[N′-methyl-N′-(thiobenzoyl)hydrazide]: To a stirred solution of thiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazide (0.166 g, 10 mmol), HOBt H₂O (0.15 g, 11 mmol) and malonic acid (0.052 g, 5 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added DCC (0.22 g, 10.7 mmol) at 0° C. The resultant suspension was stirred at 0° C. for 1 h and at room temperature for 3 h. Precipitated material was filtered off and washed with EtOAc (3×15 mL). Combined filtrate and washings was washed successively with H₂O (2×20 mL), 5% citric acid (20 mL), H₂O (20 mL), Saturated NaHCO₃ (20 mL) and brine (20 mL). After being dried over Na₂SO₄, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the crude product as a yellow solid, which was washed with warm EtOAc. 0.16 g (yield 80%) of pure product was obtained as a yellow powder. R_(f)0.3 (Hexane/EtOAc 1:1 v/v); ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.1-3.8 (m, 6H), 3.4 (s, 2H), 7.1-7.45 (m, 10 H), 9.5-10.5 (m, 1H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₁₉H₂₀N₄O₂S₂): 400.1: found: 399.1 (M−H)⁺.

Preparation of N-(2-Methylmalonyl-bis{N′-methyl-N′-[(2,5-dimethoxy)thiobenzoyl]hydrazide]:

DCC (4 g, 19 mmol) was added to a solution of 2,5-dimethoxythiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazide (3.7 g, 16.4 mmol) and 2-methylmalonic acid (2 g, 17 mmol) in DMF (20 ml) with stirring at 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. The slurry was cooled at −20° C. for 1 h and filtered. The filtrate was diluted with EtOAc (300 ml), washed with water (50 ml×3), dried with Na₂SO₄. The EtOAc solution was concentrated to minimum volume, and subjected to silica gel column chromatography (eluent: 1:4 to 2:1, ethyl acetate: hexanes) to give the title compound (3.5 g, 80%) as yellow powder. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.12-9.14 (2H), 7.12-6.81 (m, 6H), 4.01-3.78 (m, 6H), 3.75-3.22 (m, 6H), 2.82-2.62 (m, 1H), 1.12-0.11 (m,3H); ESMS cacld (C₂₄H₃₀N₄O₆S₂):534.16; found: 535.1 (M+H).

Preparation of 2-Methylmalonyl-bis(2-Amino-2,3-dihydro-isoindole-1-thione)

2-carboxybenzaldehyde (150 mg, 1 mmol) and carbazic acid (132 mg, 1 mmol) in 40 ml methanol was stirred at room temperature for 4 h. To this solution was added Pd/C (60 mg, containing 50% H₂O), the reaction was under H₂ atmosphere for 3 h. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the solvent was evaporated. The resulting residue was subjected to silica gel column chromatography (eluent: 20% to 50%, EtOAc in hexanes) to yield 50 mg of product. ¹H NMR (300MHz, CDCl₃): 8.71-7.45 (m, 4H), 4.78 (s, 2H), 1.61(s, 9H). The resulting product was dissolved in CF₃COOH (5 ml), stirred for 30 min. The CF₃COOH was evaporated, and the residue was subjected to silica gel column chromatography (eluent: 50% to 0%, hexanes in EtOAc) to give 2-amino-2,3-dihydro-isoindol-1-one (26 mg) as a white solid. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.85-7.39 (m, 4H), 4.54 (s, 2H). MS: 149 (M+H). Subsequent Lawesson's thiolation and DCC coupling with 2-methylmaloic acid under conditions described above afforded 2-methylmalonyl-bis(2-amino-2,3-dihydro-isoindole-1-thione) as a yellow powder. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.35 (s, 2H), 8.21-7.51(m, 8H), 5.15(s, 4H), 1.62 (s, 3H); ESMS cacld (C₂₀H₁₈N₄O₂S₂): 410.09; found: 411.1 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 4

Preparation of N-Malonyl-bis[N′-methyl-N′-(thiobenzoyl)hydrazide]: To a solution of thiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazine (10 g) stirred at 0 C were added subsequently triethylamine (8.5 mL) and malonyl dichloride (3.05 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 10 min, washed with water (3×50 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. Purification by recrystallization from methylene dichloride (35 mL) gave the product as light yellow crystals (9.0 g, 75%).

EXAMPLE 5

Preparation of N-Malonyl-bis[N′-methyl-N′-(thiobenzoyl)hydrazide]: A stirred solution of thiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazide (1.66 g, 10 mmol) and diphenyl malonate (1.30 g, 5.08 mmol) in dry THF (100 mL) was heated to reflux for 72 h. Volatile components were then removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a mixture of hexane and EtOAc as eluant (gradient from 4:1 v/v to 1:1 v/v). 1.07 g (51% yield) of pure product N-malonyl-bis[N′-methyl-N′-(thiobenzoyl)hydrazide] was obtained as a yellow powder. The physical properties of this compound was identical to the same product by obtained by the synthetic route described above.

EXAMPLE 6

A slurry of thiobenzoic acid N-methylhydrazide (1.0 g, 6 mmol), mono-tert-butyl malonate (1.0 mL, 6 mmol), HOBtH₂O (0.98 g, 7.2 mmol), and DCC (1.34 g, 6.5 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was stirred at 0° C. for 3 h and then at room temperature for 3 h. Precipitated material was filtered off and washed with EtOAc (3×20 mL). Combined filtrate and washings was washed successively with H₂O (2×20 mL), 5% citric acid (20 mL), H₂₀O (20 mL), saturated NaHCO₃ (20 mL) and brine (20 mL). After being dried over Na₂SO₄, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the crude product as a solid, which was washed with Et₂O. 0.94 g (yield 51%) of pure product N′-methyl-N′-thiobenzoyl-hydrazinocarbonyl)-acetic acid tert-butyl ester was obtained as a yellow powder. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.6-1.7 (ds, 9H), 3.1-4.1 (m, 5 H), 7.3-7.7 (m, 5H), 9.7-10.3 (ds, 1H)ppm; ESMS calcd (C₁₅H₂₀N₂O₃S): 308; found: 307 (M−H)⁺.

A solution of N′-Methyl-N′-thiobenzoyl-hydrazinocarbonyl)-acetic acid tert-butyl ester (0.19 g, 0.6 mmol) and TFA (0.12 mL, 1.6 mmol) in dry DCM (10 mL) was stirred at 10° C.-15° C. for 12 h (reaction was monitored by TLC). Volatile components were removed under reduced pressure (bath temperature below 5° C.). After being dried in vacuo, DMF (3 mL) was added followed by the addition of DCC (0.13 g, 0.6 mmol), HOBtH₂O (93 mg, 0.7 mmol) and Thio-2,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid N-methylhydrazide (0.13 g, 0.57 mmol). The resultant solution was stirred at 0° C. for half an hour and then at room temperature for 3h. Precipitated material was filtered off and washed with EtOAc (3×10 mL). Combined filtrate and washings was washed successively with H₂O (2×10 mL), 5% citric acid (10 mL), H₂O (10 mL), Saturated NaHCO₃ (20 mL) and brine (20 mL). After being dried over Na2SO₄, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the crude product as an oil, which was purified by SGC (4:1 hexane/EA to 2:1 EtOAc/Hexane). 0.14 g (yield 53%) of pure product was obtained as a yellow powder. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.1-3.9 (m, 18H), 6.7-7.4 (m, 9H)ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₁,H₂₄N₄O₄S2): 460.1; found: 461.1 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 7

A stirred mixture of N-malonyl-bis-[N′-phenyl-N′-(thioacetyl)hydrazide) (0.1 g, 0.25 mmol) and Lawesson's reagent (0.15 g, 0.37 mmol) in dry benzene (20 mL) was heated to reflux for 1 h. After being cooled to room temperature, the mixture was filtered through a layer of silica gel, washed with THF (2×15 mL). The filtrate and washings were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure. Flush column chromatography on silica gel (hexane to 4:1 hexane/EtOAc to 2:1 hexane/EtOAc) afforded N-bisthiomalonyl-bis[N′-phenyl-N′-thioacetyl)hydrazide) as a clear syrup (16 mg, 15%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.80-3.95 (m, 8H), 7.02-7.30 9 m, 10 H). ESMS calcd (C₁₉H₂₀N₄S₄): 432.06; found: 433.0 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 8

To a stirred solution of Cyclohexanoic acid N-phenylhydrazide (0.1 g, 0.45 mmol) in dry benzene (5 mL) was added P₂S₅ (0.2 g, 0.45 mol). The resultant suspension was heated to reflux for 3 h. After being cooled to room temperature, the mixture was diluted with benzene (5 mL) and was filtered through a short column of silica gel (2 g), washed with benzene and 2:1 hexane/EtOAc (15 mL each). The filtrate and washings were combined and concentrated to afford a solid. Crystallized from hexane to provide the intermediate thiocyclohexanoic acid N-phenylhydrazide as an off white solid; ; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.8-2.4 (m, 11H), 5.65 (br, 1H), 7.1-7.6 (m, 5H); ESMS calcd (C₁₃H₁₈N₂S): 234.1; found: 235.1 (M+H)⁺.

EXAMPLE 9

The compounds shown below were prepared by the procedures described above. Analytical data is provided for these compounds.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.1-3.8 (m, 6H), 3.4 (s, 2H), 7.1-7.45 (m,10 H), 9.5-10.5 (m, 1H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₁₉H₂₀N₄O₂S₂): 400.1; found: 399.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 1.0-1.35 (m, 6H), 3.0-4.3 (m, 6H), 7.05-7.40 (m, 10H), 9.1-10.1 (m, 2H); ESMS calcd (C₂₁,H₂₄N₄O₂S₂): 428.8; found: 427 (M−H)⁺. Anal Calc For C₂₁H₂₄N₄O₂S₂ (428.13) C, 58.85; H, 5.64; N, 13.07; S, 14.96. Found: C, 58.73; H, 5.62; N, 12.97; S, 14.96.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.7-1.0 (m, 6H), 1.4-1.9 (m, 4H), 3.1-4.2 (m, 6H), 7.1-7.4 (m, 10H), 8.9-10.2 (m, 2H) ppm; ESMS (C₂₃H₂₈N₄O₂S₂): 456.1; found: 455.1 (M−H)⁺.

mp141-143° C.; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.6-1.05 (m, 6H), 1.1-1.9 (m, 8H), 3.0-4.2 (m, 6H), 7.0-7.35 (m, 10H), 8.9-11 (ms, 2H). ESMS (C₂₅H₃₂N₄O₂S₂): 484.2; found: 483.1 (M−H)⁺. Anal Calc For C₂₅H₃₂N₄O₂S₂ (484.2) C, 61.95; H, 6.65; N, 11.56; S, 13.23. Found: C, 61,98: H, 6.52; N, 11.26; S, 13.16.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.4-0.9 (dd, 3H, J=7), 2.7 (q, 1H), 3.1-3.6 (m, 6H), 7.1-7.5 (m, 10H), 10.9 (br, 2H)ppm; ESMS (C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂S₂): 414; found: 413 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.5 (t, 3H, J=7), 1.1-1.6 (m, 2H), 2.7 (t, 1H, J=7), 3.1-3.3 (m, 6H), 7.0-7.3 (m, 10H), 10.25 (s, 2H) ppm; MS (C₂₁H₂₄N₄O₂S₂): 428.1; found: 427.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.5 (d, 6H, J=7), 0.9-1.2 (m, 1H), 3.0-41 (m, 7H), 7.1-7.4 (m, 10H), 10.3 (s, 2H)ppm; ESMS (C₂₂H₂₆N₄O₂S₂): 442.1; found: 441.1 (M−H)⁺.

1H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.4-1.3 (m, 5H), 1.5-1.8 (m, 2H), 3.0-3.7 (m, 6H), 7.1-7.75 (m,10H), 11 (s, 2H)ppm; MS (C₂₃H₂₈N₄O₂S₂): 456.1; found: 455.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.1 (d, 2H, J=7), 2.9 (t, 1H, J=7), 3.1-3.5 (m, 6H), 6.8-7.4 (m, 15H), 11 (s, 2H)ppm; MS (C₂₆H₂₆N₄O₂S₂): 490.1; found: 489.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 0.4 (d, 3H, J=7), 1.0-1.4 (m, 6H), 2.75 (q, 1H), 3.0-4.3 (m, 4H), 7.1-7.4 (m, 10H), 10.6 (s, 2H); ESMS Calc For (C₂₂H₂₆N₄O₂S₂): 442.1; found: 441.1 (M−H)⁺; Anal Calc For C₂₂H₂₆N₄O₂S₂ (442.15) C, 59.70; H, 5.92; N, 12.66; S, 14.49. Found: C, 59.64H, 5.92; N, 12.59; S, 14.47.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 0.9-1.8m, 22H), 3.1-3.5 (m,2H), 7.2-7.6(m, 10H), 11.1-11.7 (ms, 2H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₉H₃₆N₄O₂S₂):536.3; found: 537.3(M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ 3.20 (br, 2H), 7.1-7.6 (m, 20H), 11.5 (s, 2H)ppm; ESMS calcd (C29H24N4O2S2): 524.1; found: 523.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.0-4.3 (m, 14H), 6.6-7.5 (m, 8H), 10.4 (s, 2H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₁,H₂₄N₄O₂S₂): 460.2; found: 461.2 (M+H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.65-3.60 (m, 8H), 7.2-7.4 (m, 8H), 11.1 (br, 2H); ESMS calcd (C₁₉H₁₈Cl₂N₄O₂S₂): 468.0; found: 467.9 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ0.4 (d, 3H, J=7), 2.7 (q, 1H, J=7), 3.0-3.8 (m, 6H), 7.2-8.2 (m, 8H), 10.5-10.7 (ms, 2H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₀H₂₀Cl₂N₄O₂S₂): 482.0; found: 481.0 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 2.9-3.8 (m, 6H), 7.3-7.7 (m, 4H), 8.0-8.3 (m, 4H), 10.9 (s, 2H); ESMS calcd (C₁₀H₁₈N₆O₆S₂): 490.0; found: 489.0 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.1-3.9 (m, 14H), 6.7-7.8 (m, 8H), 9.0-10 (m, 2H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₁H₂₄N₄O₄S₂): 460.1; found: 459.1 (M−H)⁺.

(SBR-11-5032): ¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.0-3.9 (m, 14H), 6.7-7.3 (m, 8H), 9.0-10 (m, 2H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₁H₂₄N₄O₄S₂): 460.1; found: 459.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (acetone-d₆) δ 3.5 (s, 2H), 6.45 (d, 2H, J=5), 6.9 (d, 2H, J=5), 7.2-7.6 (m, 12H), 10.6 (s, 2H) ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₅H₂₀N₄O₄S₂): 504.1; found: 503.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 2.60 (s, 6H), 3.05 (s, 6H), 3.40 (s, 2H), 7.15-7.50 (m, 8H)ppm; ESMS calcd (C₂₇H₂₄Cl₂N₆O₄S₂): 630.1; found: 629.1 (M−H)⁺.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.06-8.82 (2H), 7.16-6.81(m, 6H), 4.01-3.81(m, 6H), 3.78-3.11 (m, 6H), 2.81-2.58(m, 2H): ESMS cacld (C₂₃H₂₈N₄O₆S₂): 520.15; found: 521 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.38-9.01 (2H), 7.12-6.82 (m, 6H), 3.92-3.78(m, 12H), 3.75-3.06(m, 6H), 2.61-2.51 (m, 2H); ESMS cacld (C₂₃H₂₈N₄O₆S₂): 520.15; found: 521 (M−H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.45-8.63 (2H), 7.18-6.81 (m, 6H), 4.01-3.80(m, 6H), 3.78-3.24(m, 6H), 2.62-2.50(m, 1H), 1.74-0.11 (m, 3H); ESMS cacld (C₂₄H₃₀N₄O₆S₂): 534.16; found: 535 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.19-8.61 (2H), 7.26-6.52(m, 6H), 3.81-3.08(m, 8H), 3.01-2.88(m, 12H). ESMS cacld (C₂₃H₃₀N₆O₂S₂): 486.19; found: 487 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.92-8.80 (2H), 7.41-6.72 (m, 6H), 4.01-3.81(m, 6H), 3.80-3.15 (m, 6H), 2.76-2.42(m, 2H); ESMS cacld (C₂₁,H₂₂Cl₂N₄O₄S₂): 528.05; found: 529(M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.21-9.02(2H), 7.60-6.81 (m, 6H), 4.14-3.88(m, 6H), 3.87-3.18 (m, 6H), 2.84-2.65(m, 1H), 1.10-0.16 (m, 3H); ESMS cacld (C₂₂H₂₄Cl₂N₄O₄S₂): 542.06; found: 543(M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.02-9.20 (2H), 7.63-7.01 (m, 6H), 4.21-3.22(m, 6H), 1.88-1.36 (m, 2H); ESMS cacld (C₁₉H₁₆F₄N₄O₂S₂): 472.07; found: 473 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.93-7.61 (2H), 7.40-6.92 (m, 6H), 3.98-3.41 (m, 6H), 2.19-0.93 (m, 4H); ESMS cacld (C₂₀H₁₈F₄N₄O₂S₂): 486.08; found: 487 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.12-9.21(2H), 7.67-7.23 (m, 6H), 3.94-3.22 (m, 6H), 2.01-1.21 (m, 2H); ESMS cacld (C₁₉H₁₆Cl₄N₄O₂S₂): 535.95; found: 537(M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 7.78-7.23 (2H), 4.56-3.10 (m, 6H), 2.34-1.12 (m, 4H); ESMS cacld (C₂₀H₁₈Cl₄N₄O₂S₂): 549.96; found: 551 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.92-9.01 (2H), 7.38-7.15 (m, 3H), 6.66-6.51 (m, 3H), 3.98-3.75 (m, 12H), 3.72-3.21(m, 6H), 2.01-0.42 (m, 4H); ESMS cacld (C₂₄H₃₀N₄O₆S₂): 534.16; found; 535 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.51-9.82 (2H), 7.42-6.80 (m, 6H), 3.92-3.04(m, 6H), 2.60-1.21 (m, 14H); ESMS cacld (C₂₃H₂₈N₄O₂S₂): 456.17; found: 457(M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.51-8.82 (2H), 7.11-6.89 (m, 6H), 3.81-3.02 (m, 6H), 2.40-1.02 (m, 16H); ESMS cacld (C₂₄H₃₀N₄O₂S₂): 470.18; found: 471(M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.86-8.42 (2H), 7.01-6.6 (m, 6H), 4.18-3.51 (m, 16H), 3.22-2.26 (2H), 1.40-1.04 (m, 6H); ESMS cacld (C₂₅,H₃₂N₄O₆S₂):548.18; found: 547 (M−H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.99-8.41 (2H), 7.01-6.68 (m, 6H), 4.18-3.56 (m, 16H), 1.40-0.02 (m, 10H); ESMS cacld (C₂₆H₃₄N₄O₆S₂): 562.19; found: 561(M−H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 10.12-8.82 (2H), 7.03-6.62 (m, 6H), 4.21-3.87 (m, 8H), 3.84-3.01(m, 6H), 2.71-2.42 (m, 2H), 1.56-1.21 (m, 12H); ESMS cacld (C₂₇H₃₆N₄O₆S₂): 576.21; found: 577(M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 9.81-8.79 (2H), 7.01-6.64 (m, 6H), 4.21-3.81(m, 8H), 3.80-3.22 (m, 6H), 1.54-1.20 (m, 13H), 1.01-0.16 (m, 3H); ESMS cacld (C₂₈H₃₈N₄O₆S₂): 590.22; found: 591 (M+H).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.25 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 4H), 7.50 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 4H), 3.7-3.3 (m, 8H); ESMS cacld for C₁₉H₁₈N₆O₆S₂: 490.1; Found: 489.0 (M−H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 3.6-3.4 (m, 8H), 2.7-2.5 (m, 6H); ESMS cacld for C₉H₁₆N₄O₂S₂: 276.1; Found: 274.9 (M−H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 10.25 (m, 2H), 7.7-7.4 (m, 8H), 3.7 (m, 2H), 3.35 (m, 6H); ESMS cacld for C₂₁,H₁₈N₆O₂S₂: 450.1: Found: 449.0 (M−H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.2 (s, 2H), 7.7-7.5 (m, 4H), 3.7-3.4 (m, 8H), 2.9-2.8 (m, 6H); ESMS cacld for C₁₉H₂₂N₆O₂S₂: 430.1; Found: 431.1 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 10.0-9.2 (m, 2H), 7.9-7.45 (m, 8H), 4.0-3.4 (m, 8H); ESMS cacld for C₂₁H₁₈N₆O₂S₂: 450.1; Found: 451.0 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 10.1-9.4 (2H), 7.5-7.2 (m, 8H), 3.9-3.3 (m, 8H); ESMS cacld for C₁₉H₁₈F₂N₄O₂S₂: 436.1; Found: 437.1 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 3.3 (s, 2H), 3.6 (s, 6H), 5.25 (s, 4H), 7.05-7.3 (m, 16H), 7.6 (s, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H, J=6), 10.56 (s, 2H)ppm; ESMS calcd (C₃₇H₃₄N₆O₂S₂): 658.2; found: 659.2 (M+H)⁺.

¹H NMR (DMSO) δ 11.98 (2H), 7.44-7.12 (m, 10H), 3.69-3.14(s, 6H). ESMS cacld (C₁₈H₁₈N₄O₂S₂): 386.09; found: 387.1 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CHCl₃) δ 9.48-8.55 (2H), 7.56-7.20(m, 10H), 3.80-3.31(m, 6H), 2.88-2.22(m, 4H). ESMS cacld (C₂₀H₂₂N₄O₂S₂): 414.12; found: 415.1 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 10.21-9.91 (m, 2H), 8.06-7.32 (m, 14H), 3.91-3.56 (m, 6H). ESMS cacld (C₂₄H₂₂N₄O₂S₂): 462.12; found: 463 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 11.60-11.40 (m, 2H), 7.48-6.46(m, 12H), 3.64-3,3.30(m, 6H). ESMS cacld (C₂₀H₂₀N₄O₂S₂): 412.10; found: 413 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 7.58-7.20(m, 12H), 3.68-3.20(m, 6H). ESMS cacld (C₂₀H₂₀N₄O₂S₂): 412.10; found: 413 (M+H).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 9.65-8.70 (2H), 8.01-7.21(m, 14H), 3.84-3.40(m, 6H). ESMS cacld (C₂₄H₂₂N₄O₂S₂): 462.12; found: 463 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.63 (s, 2H); 2.18 (s, 6H); 1.25 (s, 18H). MS calcd for C₁₅H₂₈N₄O₂S₂: 360.2; Found: 383.1 (M+Na).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.3 (m, 10H); 3.2 (m, 2H); 2.45 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 4H); 2.21 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 4H); 1.90 (m, 8H). MS calcd for C₂₅H₂₈N₄O₆S₂: 544.15; Found: 567.2 (M+Na).

¹NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.4-1 (m, 18H); 3.3 (br s, 2H); 2.5 (br s, 6H). MS calcd for C₃₁,H₂₈N₄O₃S: 536.2; Found: 537.2 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.2 (m, 18H); 3.5 (br s, 2H); 2.4 (br s, 6H). MS calcd for C₃₁H₂₈N₄O₂S₂552.2; Found: 553.2 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.8-7.4 (br s, 8H), 3.75-3.5 (m, 2H), 3.95-3.8(m, 4H), 258 (s, 6H), 1.4 (m, 6H1). ESMS cacld for C₂₃H₂₈N₄O₂S₂: 456.2; Found: 479.2 (M+Na).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.5 (br s, 18H), 3.4 (br s, 2H), 2.45 (s, 6H). ESMS cacld for C₃₃H₂₈N₄O₆S₂: 640.1; Found 641.1 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.3-8.05 (m, 4H), 7.75 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.1 (br s, 21H), 3.74 (s, 2H), 2.38 (s, 61H). ESMS cacld for C₁₇H₁₈N₆O₂S₂: 402.1. Found: 403.1 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.7-7.2 (m, 6H), 3.2 (s, 2H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H). ESMS cacld for C₁₉H₁₆Cl₄N₄O₃S: 519.9; Found: 520.9 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃-D₂O): δ 7.45-7.15 (m, 20 H), 1.6 (br s, 6H). ESMS cacld for C₃₁H₂₈N₄O₂S₂552.2; Found: 553.2 (M+H).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 11.3 (s, 2H), 7.75 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 7.5-7.4 (m, 12 H); 6.9 (m, 2H); ESMS cacld for C₂₇H₂₄N₄O₂S₄: 564.1; Found: 565.2 (M+H).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.38 (m, 10 H), 2.40 (s, 6H), 1.5-1.6 (6H); ESMS cacld for C₂₁H₂₄N₄O₂S₂: 564.1; Found: 565.2 (M+H).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 11.5 (m, 2H); 7.5 (m, 10 H); 3.2 (m, 2H); 2.6 (s, 3H); 2.5 (s, 3H). MS calcd (400.1); Found: 423.1 (M+Na).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ 3.3-4.5 (m, 8H), 7.1-7.8 (m, 20 H)ppm; ESMS calcd (C₃₁H₂₈N₄O₂S₂): 552; found: 551 (M−H)⁺.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of preparing a product compound from a starting compound, wherein the starting compound is represented by the following structural formula:

and the product compound is represented by the following structural formula:

wherein: R₁ and R₂ are independently an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group; R₅ is a hydrazine protecting group when R₂ is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group and R₅ is —H or a hydrazine protecting group when R₂ is an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group; R₁₀ is —H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; and the method comprises the step of reacting the starting compound with a thionylating reagent.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the thionylating reagent is Lawesson's Reagent, phosphorus pentasulfide, Scheeren's Reagent (P₄S₁₀—Na₂S), P₄S₁₀—N(ethyl)₃, Davy's Reagent, or Heimgarner's reagent.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the thionylating reagent is Lawesson's Reagent.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein R₅ is —H when R₂ is an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group and R₁₀ is —H or an unsubstituted alkyl group.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein R₁ is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein R₂ is an alkyl group or a substituted lower alkyl group.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein R₂ is methyl or ethyl.
 8. The method of claim 6 wherein R₁ is phenyl or substituted phenyl.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein R₁ is phenyl and R₂ is methyl.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein R₁ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from —OH, —Br, —Cl, —I, —F, —OR^(a), —O—COR^(a), —COR^(a), —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SO₃H, —NH₂, —NHR^(a), —N(R^(a)R^(b)), —COOR^(a), —CHO, —CONH₂, —CONHR^(a), —CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHCOR^(a), —NRCOR^(a), —NHCONH₂, —NHCONR^(a)H, —NHCON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(c)CONH₂, —NR^(c)CONR^(a)H, —NR^(c)CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NH)—NH₂, —C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NH—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)H—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHNH₂, —NHNHR^(a), —NHN(R^(a)R^(b)), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NHR^(a), —SO₂NR^(a)R^(b), —CH═CHR^(a), —CH═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CHR^(a), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CCR^(a), —SH, —SR^(a), —S(O)R^(a), —S(O)₂R^(a), alkyl groups, substituted alkyl group, non-aromatic heterocyclic group, substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group, benzyl group, substituted benzyl group, aryl group or substituted aryl group wherein R^(a)-R^(d) each are independently an alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, benzyl, substituted benzyl, aromatic or substituted aromatic group, or, —N(R^(a)R^(b)), taken together, can also form a substituted or unsubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.
 11. The method of claim 5 wherein R₂ is a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 12. The method of claim 4 wherein R₁ is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein R₂ is a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein R₁ is a lower alkyl group and R₂ is a phenyl group substituted with one or more groups selected from —OH, —Br, —Cl, —I, —F, —OR^(a), —O—COR^(a), —COR^(a), —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SO₃H, —NH₂, —NHR^(a), —N(R^(a)R^(b)), —COOR^(a), —CHO, —CONH₂, —CONHR^(a), —CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHCOR^(a), —NRCOR^(a), —NHCONH₂, —NHCONR^(a)H, —NHCON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(c)CONH₂, —NR^(c)CONR^(a)H, —NR^(c)CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NH)—NH₂, —C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NH—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)H—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)) —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHNH₂, —NHNHR^(a), —NHN(R^(a)R^(b)), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NHR^(a), —SO₂NR^(a)R^(b), —CH═CHR^(a), —CH═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CHR^(a), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CCR^(a), —SH, —SR^(a), —S(O)R^(a), —S(O)₂R^(a), alkyl groups, substituted alkyl group, non—aromatic heterocyclic group, substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group, benzyl group, substituted benzyl group, aryl group or substituted aryl group wherein R^(a)-R^(d) each are independently an alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, benzyl, substituted benzyl, aromatic or substituted aromatic group, or, —N(R^(a)R^(b)), taken together, can also form a substituted or unsubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.
 15. The method of claim 4 wherein R₂ is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein R₁ is a lower alkyl group or a substituted lower alkyl group.
 17. The method of claim 4 wherein R₂ is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein R₂ is a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein R₅ is tert-butoxycarbonyl.
 20. The method of claim 4 further comprising the steps of: a) deprotecting the hydrazide group of the product compound when R₅ is a hydrazide protecting group to form the product compound wherein R₅ is —H; and b) reacting Z—C(O)—Y—(CO)—Z or HO—C(O)—Y—(CO)—OH and a caroboxylic acid activating agent with the product compound wherein R₅ is —H to form a second product represented by the following structural formula:

wherein: Y is a covalent bond or a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chained hydrocarbyl group; and each Z is a leaving group.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein Y is a covalent bond, —(CH₂CH₂)—, trans-(CH═CH)—, cis-(CH═CH)—, —(CC)— or a 1,4-phenylene group.
 22. The method of claim 20 wherein Y is a covalent bond or —C(R₇R₈)— and R₇ and R₈ are each independently —H, an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, or R₇ is —H and R₈ is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or, R₇ and R₈ taken together, are a C2-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the product compound is reacted with Z—C(O)—Y—(CO)—Z and both Zs are —Cl or —OR, wherein R is phenyl or phenyl substituted with an electron withdrawing group.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein the product compound is reacted with HO—C(O)—CR₇R₈—C(O)—OH and a carboxylic acid activating reagent.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein R₇ and R₈ are both —H.
 26. The method of claim 22 wherein R₁ is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
 27. The method of claim 26 wherein R₂ is an alkyl group or a substituted lower alkyl group.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein R₂ is methyl or ethyl; R₇ is —H; and R₈ is —H or methyl.
 29. The method of claim 27 wherein R₁ is phenyl or substituted phenyl.
 30. The method of claim 29 wherein R₁ is phenyl and R₂ is methyl.
 31. The method of claim 29 wherein R₁ is phenyl substituted with one or more groups selected from —OH, —Br, —Cl, —I, —F, —OR^(a), —O—COR^(a), —COR^(a), —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SO₃H, —NH₂, —NHR^(a), —N(R^(a)R^(b)), —COOR^(a), —CHO, —CONH₂, —CONHR^(a), —CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHCOR^(a), —NRCOR^(a), —NHCONH₂, —NHCONR^(a)H, —NHCON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(c)CONH₂, —NR^(c)CONR^(a)H, —NR^(c)CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NH)—NH₂, —C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NH—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)H—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHNH₂, —NHNHR^(a), —NHN(R^(a)R^(b)), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NHR^(a), —SO₂NR^(a)R^(b), —CH═CHR^(a), —CH═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CHR^(a), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CCR^(a), —SH, —SR^(a), —S(O)R^(a), —S(O)₂R^(a), alkyl groups, substituted alkyl group, non-aromatic heterocyclic group, substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group, benzyl group, substituted benzyl group, aryl group or substituted aryl group wherein R^(a)-R^(d) each are independently an alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, benzyl, substituted benzyl, aromatic or substituted aromatic group, or, —N(R^(a)R^(b)), taken together, can also form a substituted or unsubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.
 32. The method of claim 26 wherein R₂ is a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 33. The method of claim 22 wherein R₁ is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein R₂ is a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein R₁ is a lower alkyl group and R₂ is a phenyl group substituted with one or more groups selected from —OH, —Br, —Cl, —I, —F, —OR^(a), —O—COR^(a), —COR^(a), —CN, —NO₂, —COOH, —SO₃H, —NH₂, —NHR^(a), —N(R^(a)R^(b)), —COOR^(a), —CHO, —CONH₂, —CONHR^(a), —CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHCOR^(a), —NRCOR^(a), —NHCONH₂, —NHCONR^(a)H, —NHCON(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(c)CONH₂, —NR^(c)CONR^(a)H, —NR^(c)CON(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NH)—NH₂, —C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NH—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NH—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NH—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)H—C(═NH)—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NH)—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NH₂, —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—NHR^(a), —NR^(d)—C(═NR^(c))—N(R^(a)R^(b)), —NHNH₂, —NHNHR^(a), —NHN(R^(a)R^(b)), —SO₂NH₂, —SO₂NHR^(a), —SO₂NR^(a)R^(b), —CH═CHR^(a), —CH═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CR^(c)═CHR^(a), —CR^(c)═CR^(a)R^(b), —CCR^(a), —SH, —SR^(a), —S(O)R^(a), —S(O)₂R^(a), alkyl groups, substituted alkyl group, non—aromatic heterocyclic group, substituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group, benzyl group, substituted benzyl group, aryl group or substituted aryl group wherein R^(a)-R^(d) each are independently an alkyl group, substituted alkyl group, benzyl, substituted benzyl, aromatic or substituted aromatic group, or, —N(R^(a)R^(b)), taken together, can also form a substituted or unsubstituted non-aromatic heterocyclic group.
 36. The method of claim 22 wherein R₂ is an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein R₁ is a lower alkyl group or a substituted lower alkyl group.
 38. The method of claim 22 wherein R₂ is an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein R₂ is a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 40. A method of preparing a product represented by the following structural formula:

said method comprising the step of reacting Z—C(O)—Y—(CO)—Z or HO—C(O)—Y—(CO)—OH and a carboxylic acid activating group with a thiohydrazide compound represented by the following structural formula:

wherein: R₁ and R₂ are independently an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group; R₅ is —H; R₁₀ is —H or an alkyl or unsubstituted alkyl group; Y is a covalent bond or a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chained hydrocarbyl group; and each Z is a leaving group.
 41. A method of preparing a compound represented by the following structural formula:

wherein: R₁-R₄ are independently an aliphatic group, a substituted aliphatic group, an aryl group or a substituted aryl group; R₁₀-R₁₁ are independently —H or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; Y is a covalent bond or a substituted or unsubstituted straight-chained hydrocarbyl group; said method comprising the steps of: a) reacting a first starting compound with Z—(O)C—Y—COOR₆ or with HO—(O)C—Y—COOR₆ and a carboxylic acid activating group, wherein R₆ is a carboxylic acid protecting group, Z is a leaving group and the first starting compound is represented by the following structural formula:

thereby forming a first intermediate represented by the following structural formula:

b) deprotecting the protected carboxylic acid group to form a second intermediate represented by the following structural formula:

c) amidating the second intermediate with a second starting compound represented by the following structural formula:

thereby forming the compound.
 42. The method of claim 41 wherein Y is a covalent bond, —(CH₂CH₂)—, trans-(CH═CH)—, cis-(CH═CH)—, —(CC)— or a 1,4-phenylene group.
 43. The method of claim 41 wherein Y is a covalent bond or —CR₇R⁸)— and R₇ and R₈ are each independently —H, an aliphatic or substituted aliphatic group, or R₇ is —H and R₈ is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or, R₇ and R₈ taken together, are a C2-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkylene group and R₁₀ and R₁₁ are —H or an unsubstituted alkyl group.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein the first starting compound is reacted in step a) with Z—(O)C—Y—COOR₆, wherein Z in step a is —Cl or —OR and R is phenyl or phenyl substituted with an electron withdrawing group.
 45. The method of claim 43 wherein the first starting compound is reacted in step a) with HO—(O)C—Y—COOR₆ and a carboxylic acid activating agent and wherein the second starting compound is reacted in step c) with the second intermediate and a carboxylic acid activating agent.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein R₇and R₈ are both —H.
 47. The method of claim 41 wherein the carboxylic acid activating agent in step a) and step c) is dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC).
 48. The method of claim 43 wherein R₁ and R₃are different and/or R₂ and R₄ are different.
 49. The method of claim 43 wherein R₁ and R₃ are different and R₂ and R₄ are the same.
 50. The method of claim 43 wherein R₁ and R₃ are same and R₂ and R₄ are different.
 51. The method of claim 43 wherein R₁ and R₃ are different and R₂ and R₄ are different.
 52. The method of claim 48 wherein R₁ and R₃ are independently an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
 53. The method of claim 52 wherein R₂ and R₄ are independently an alkyl group or a substituted lower alkyl group.
 54. The method of claim 52 wherein R₂ and R₄ are independently a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 55. The method of claim 48 wherein R₁ and R₃ are independently an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group.
 56. The method of claim 55 wherein R₂ and R₄ are independently a phenyl group or a substituted phenyl group.
 57. The method of claim 48 wherein R₂ and R₄ are independently an aliphatic group or a substituted aliphatic group.
 58. The method of claim 48 wherein R₁ and R₃ are independently an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group.
 59. The method of claim 48 wherein R₂ and R₄ are independently an aryl group or a substituted aryl group.
 60. The method of claim 48 wherein R₆ is a tert-butyl group. 